RESPIRATORY PROTECTION (RP)

1.0 DISTRIBUTION
All Departments.

2.0 APPICABLE DOCUMENTS
INM-056- 012 Periodical Medical Checkup of Employee (HR policy SOP)
INM-03-012 Personal Protective Equipment

3.0 APPICABLE FORMS
Nil

4.0 APPLICABILITY
This procedure is applicable to Xxx (India) Pvt. Ltd., Xxx Plant only.

5.0 PURPOSE
To establish a procedure for Respiratory Protection

6.0 SCOPE

6.1 This is intended to assist in the proper use, selection, care and fit testing of all respirators used by employees at Xxx Plant.

6.2 To ensure that employees are protected from occupational respiratory exposure to harmful chemical, physical, and biological agents, including airborne dust, fumes, mist, gases, and vapors.

7.0 RESPONSIBLE DEPARTMENTS: Engineering and Production Departments

8.0 RESPONSIBILITY

8.1 EHS Personnel

8.1.1 Ensure the requirements of this procedure are followed.

8.1.2 Conduct respirator selection, training, exposure surveillance and fit-test.

8.1.3 Exposure surveillance using industrial hygiene monitoring will be conducted for all jobs where respirators are required at least annually.

8.1.4 Conduct training for employees and supervisors who are covered by this procedure.

8.1.5 Maintain controlled records of training, medical evaluations and fit-test.

8.1.6 Work with 3M for proper respiratory selection and fit testing.

8.2 Supervisors

8.2.1 Supervisor shall ensure this respiratory protection program is properly implemented and enforced.

8.2.2 Attend required training and ensure that employees attend the training.

8.2.3 Ensure that all employees comply with this procedure.

8.3 Employees

8.3.1 Attend required training. Use the respiratory protection provided in accordance with instructions and training received.

8.3.2 Guard against damage to the respirator including proper maintenance and cleaning.

8.3.3 Immediately report any malfunction of a respirator to their supervisor and EHS

8.4 Human Resource

8.4.1 Coordinate the medical surveillance component of the respiratory protection program.

8.4.2 Maintain all medical evaluations in a confidential file within their designated office files

9.0 PROCEDURES

9.1 Medical Examination.

9.1.1 New and current employees who are required to use respirators in their areas of work will need to undergo a medical examination to assess their fitness to use respirator.
(Ref: HR policy: INM-056-012).

9.1.2 On an annual basis, HR department will arrange a medical examination to be conducted for all respirator users to ensure their continuous fitness to use respirator.

9.2 Fit Test, Use & Care Training

9.2.1 Purpose is to select the correct size & model of respirator for the user, this ensure that good facial seal is achieved whenever respirator is worn. User will also be trained on the proper use and care of respirators including fit checking & hazards of the contaminants. EHS Coordinator will work with 3M on proper respirator selection.

9.2.2 EHS Co-ordinator will arrange a trained person to conduct fit test. Test results include brand and model no. identified for individual workers will be recorded and be retained indefinitely by EHS Co-ordinator.

9.2.3 User shall undergo fit test at time of employment and once every two years.

9.2.4 Trained person shall include, but is not limited to, authorized dealer of Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) used by emergency responder or half face respirator used by Lab, Facility.

9.2.4 Employees shall not be fitted for, or wear, a respirator If:
a. Facial hair interferes with the seal of the respirator to the face; or
b. Facial features prevent a proper fit.

9.3 Issue of respirator
Supervisors shall purchase the correct size of respirator listed in the test results and issue it to user upon completion of fit test and training.

9.4 Storage, Maintenance & Inspection of Respirators

9.4.1 Respirators should be stored in a convenient location, away from contaminated areas. Respirators shall be stored in a manner that will protect them against physical & chemical agents such as dirt, chemicals, moisture, sunlight, temperature extremes & mechanical damage or distortion. Respirators should be placed in a clean, seal- able plastic bag or container when not in use.

9.4.2 Safety Committee members shall inspect condition of respirator during safety inspection.

10.0 REFRENCES
-- CP 74: 1998. Code of Practice for selection, use & maintenance of respiratory protective devices.
-- Xxx EHS Requirement Book section 15.0.1.2 and 15.2.1
-- Factories Act (Permissible Exposure Levels of Toxic Substances) Order 1996